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Morocco’s first marine fish hatchery begins construction

Morocco will soon produce its own fry as the country begins construction on its first marine fish hatchery.

The aquaculture project, inaugurated on July 18, is being spearheaded by Casablanca-based Aquago and is meant to boost the country’s supply of local fingerlings. It is also the first of its kind to receive financial support from the Moroccan government. Euro-Mediterranean media outlet, Atalayar Between Two Shores, reported that the 120-million-dirham project (US$12.4 million) is designed to have an annual production capacity of up to 30 million fingerlings of different species, such as sea bream, sea bass and meagre. The hatchery site will span 2.28 hectares of land in Gueznaya, in northern Morocco.

“The production of fingerlings is considered an essential integration lever to secure the viability of aquaculture projects specializing in fish farming,” said Mohamed Sadiki, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests. “This hatchery project is the first fish seed production project in Morocco for which the State grants financial support in the form of an investment premium for the purchase of hatchery equipment.”

During a press briefing at the July 18 launch event, Sadiki highlighted the significance of the aquaculture sector within the country’s “Halieutis” plan introduced in 2020, which aims to increase production and promote the balanced, qualitative, and sustainable development of the marine fisheries sector in Morocco.

The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Investment Center will oversee the licensing process as a form of support for the National Agency for Aquaculture Development.